4 Steps to Manage Your Diabetes for Life

Step 1: Learn about diabetes.

Step 2: Know your diabetes ABCs

Step 3: Learn how to live with diabetes

Step 4: Get routine care to stay healthy Self Checks of Blood Sugar 

Actions you can take

The check mark marks in this booklet show actions you can take to manage your diabetes. 

Check mark Help your health care team make a diabetes care plan that will work for you. 

Check mark Learn to make wise choices for your diabetes care each day. 

Step 1: Learn about diabetes.

What is diabetes?

There are three main types of diabetes: 

Type 1 diabetes – Your body does not make insulin. This is a problem because you need insulin to take the sugar (glucose) from the foods you eat and turn it into energy for your body. You need to take insulin every day to live.

Type 2 diabetes – Your body does not make or use insulin well. You may need to take pills or insulin to help control your diabetes. Type 2 is the most common type of diabetes.

Gestational (jest-TAY-shun-al) diabetes – Some women get this kind of diabetes when they are pregnant. Most of the time, it goes away after the baby is born. But even if it goes away, these women and their children have a greater chance of getting diabetes later in life.

You are the one who manages your diabetes day by day. Talk to your doctor about how you can best care for your diabetes to stay healthy. Some others who can help are: 

Dentist

Diabetes doctor

Diabetes educator

Dietitian

Eye doctor

Foot doctor

Friends and family

Mental health counselor

Nurse practitioner

Pharmacist

Social worker

How to learn more about diabetes.

Take classes to learn more about living with diabetes. To find a class, check with your health care team, hospital, or area health clinic. You can also search online.

Join a support group — in-person or online — to get peer support with managing your diabetes.

Read about diabetes online. Go to National Diabetes Education Program.

Take diabetes seriously.

You may have heard people say they have “a touch of diabetes” or that their “sugar is a little high.” These words suggest that diabetes is not a serious disease. That is not correct. Diabetes is serious, but you can learn to manage it. 

People with diabetes need to make healthy food choices, stay at a healthy weight, move more every day, and take their medicine even when they feel good. It’s a lot to do. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it! 

Why take care of your diabetes?

Taking care of yourself and your diabetes can help you feel good today and in the future. When your blood sugar (glucose) is close to normal, you are likely to: 

Have more energy

Be less tired and thirsty

Need to pass urine less often

Heal better

Have fewer skin or bladder infections

You will also have less chance of having health problems caused by diabetes such as: 

Heart attack or stroke

Eye problems that can lead to trouble seeing or going blind pain, tingling, or numbness in your hands and feet, also called nerve damage kidney problems that can cause your kidneys to stop working teeth and gum problems check mark Actions you can take check mark Ask your health care team what type of diabetes you have. 

Check mark Learn where you can go for support. 

Check mark Learn how caring for your diabetes helps you feel good today and in the future. 

Step 2: Know your diabetes ABCs.

Talk to your health care team about how to manage your A1C, Blood pressure, and Cholesterol. This can help lower your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other diabetes problems. 

A for the A1C test (A-one-C).

What is it?

The A1C is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar level over the past three months. It is different from the blood sugar checks you do each day. 

Why is it important?

You need to know your blood sugar levels over time. You don’t want those numbers to get too high. High levels of blood sugar can harm your heart, blood vessels, kidneys, feet, and eyes. 

What is the A1C goal?

The A1C goal for many people with diabetes is below 7. It may be different for you. Ask what your goal should be. 

B for Blood pressure.

What is it?

Blood pressure is the force of your blood against the wall of your blood vessels. 

Why is it important?

If your blood pressure gets too high, it makes your heart work too hard. It can cause a heart attack, stroke, and damage your kidneys and eyes.

 

What is the blood pressure goal?

The blood pressure goal for most people with diabetes is below 140/90. It may be different for you. Ask what your goal should be. 

C for Cholesterol (ko-LESS-tuh-ruhl).

What is it?

There are two kinds of cholesterol in your blood: LDL and HDL. 

LDL or “bad” cholesterol can build up and clog your blood vessels. It can cause a heart attack or stroke. 

HDL or “good” cholesterol helps remove the “bad” cholesterol from your blood vessels. 

What are the LDL and HDL goals?

Ask what your cholesterol numbers should be. Your goals may be different from other people. If you are over 40 years of age, you may need to take a statin drug for heart health. 

Check mark Actions you can take

Check mark Ask your health care team:

What your A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol numbers are and what they should be. Your ABC goals will depend on how long you have had diabetes, other health problems, and how hard your diabetes is to manage.

What you can do to reach your ABC goals

Check mark Write down your numbers on the record at the back of this booklet to track your progress.

Step 3: Learn how to live with diabetes.

It is common to feel overwhelmed, sad, or angry when you are living with diabetes. You may know the steps you should take to stay healthy, but have trouble sticking with your plan over time. This section has tips on how to cope with your diabetes, eat well, and be active. 

Cope with your diabetes.

Stress can raise your blood sugar. Learn ways to lower your stress. Try deep breathing, gardening, taking a walk, meditating, working on your hobby, or listening to your favorite music.

Ask for help if you feel down. A mental health counselor, support group, member of the clergy, friend, or family member who will listen to your concerns may help you feel better.

Eat well.

Make a diabetes meal plan with help from your health care team.

Choose foods that are lower in calories, saturated fat, Trans fat, sugar, and salt.

Eat foods with more fiber, such as whole grain cereals, breads, crackers, rice, or pasta.

Choose foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, bread and cereals, and low-fat or skim milk and cheese.

Drink water instead of juice and regular soda.

When eating a meal, fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables, one quarter with a lean protein, such as beans, or chicken or turkey without the skin, and one quarter with a whole grain, such as brown rice or whole wheat pasta.

Be active.

Set a goal to be more active most days of the week. Start slow by taking 10 minute walks, 3 times a day.

Twice a week, work to increase your muscle strength. Use stretch bands, do yoga, heavy gardening (digging and planting with tools), or try push-ups.

Stay at or get to a healthy weight by using your meal plan and moving more.

Know what to do every day.

Take your medicines for diabetes and any other health problems even when you feel good. Ask your doctor if you need aspirin to prevent a heart attack or stroke. Tell your doctor if you cannot afford your medicines or if you have any side effects.

Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, red spots, and swelling. Call your health care team right away about any sores that do not go away.

Brush your teeth and floss every day to keep your mouth, teeth, and gums healthy.

Stop smoking. Ask for help to quit. Call 1-800-QUITNOW (1-800-784-8669).

Keep track of your blood sugar. You may want to check it one or more times a day. Use the card at the back of this booklet to keep a record of your blood sugar numbers. Be sure to talk about it with your health care team.

Check your blood pressure if your doctor advises and keep a record of it.

Talk to your health care team.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about your diabetes.

Report any changes in your health.

Check mark Actions you can take

Check mark Ask for a healthy meal plan.

Check mark Ask about ways to be more active.

Check mark Ask how and when to test your blood sugar and how to use the results to manage your diabetes.

Check mark Use these tips to help with your self-care.

Check mark Discuss how your diabetes plan is working for you each time you visit your health care team.

Step 4: Get routine care to stay healthy.

See your health care team at least twice a year to find and treat any problems early. 

At each visit, be sure you have a:

Blood pressure check

Foot check

Weight check

Review of your self-care plan

Two times each year, have an:

A1C test. It may be checked more often if it is over 7.

Once each year, be sure you have a:

Cholesterol test

Complete foot exam

Dental exam to check teeth and gums

Dilated eye exam to check for eye problems

Flu shot

Urine and a blood test to check for kidney problems At least once in your lifetime, get a:

Pneumonia (nu-mo-nya) shot

Hepatitis B (HEP-uh-TY-tiss) shot

Medicare and diabetes.

If you have Medicare, check to see how your plan covers diabetes care. Medicare covers some of the costs for: 

Diabetes education

Diabetes supplies

Diabetes medicine

Visits with a dietitian

Special shoes, if you need them Check mark Actions you can take

Check mark Ask your health care team about these and other tests you may need. Ask what your results mean. 

Check mark Write down the date and time of your next visit. 

Check mark Use the card at the back of this booklet to keep a record of your diabetes care. 

check mark If you have Medicare, check your plan.

 

 

COMMUNITIES EXPERIENCES

Mercy Lungu stands at his maize field in chongwe Zambia, and watches his crop dry out in front of his eyes.

 

“I invested all my money into this two-hectare maize crop, and as you can see there is nothing that will come from here,” she said. LUNGU is not sure what she will do to feed his family of 10 and support his children’s education. “With this crop failure, I am really in trouble.”

 

In communities nearby such as kanyama, chawama, Matro and Misis compound, people have also been coping with cholera. There have been 188,000 cholera cases in six southern African countries in the last year, resulting in 3,400 deaths, according to the U.N. Twenty-one thousands of these cases were in Zambia, which saw a severe upsurge in cholera in late 2023 that led to more than 700 deaths. Schools from primary to university level were delayed opening, affecting 4.3 million students.

 

The combination of drought and cholera is a potentially deadly mix. “The scarcity of water sources in the drought-affected area are compelling people to turn to unsafe alternatives like shallow wells, heightening the risks of water-borne disease like cholera,” MoH Staff in Zambia.

 

Stomach ailments afflicting people already struggling to find enough food limits their ability to absorb nutrients, driving malnutrition. The risk of disease also increases when water shortages can cause poor hygiene practices. When people reduce handwashing, the risk of cholera increases.

 

Cholera threat in communities

In the community of Chilanga, 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of Lusaka, Grace Mumba worked as a volunteer health during cholera at heroes Stadium in Lusaka. As one of the 50 volunteers trained by Ministry of health, Mumba helped people who became sick with cholera she made sure that they got oral rehydration therapy, no matter what time of the day or night, and refers patients to the hospital.

 

She also encourages people to practice good hygiene. “People just come from the toilet, and they don't wash their hands,” she said, adding that handwashing is particularly important before meals or handling food. “We need to tell them the method of washing their hands, and that they need to use soap.”

 

Mumba said that Chilanga suffers from poor solid waste management. “Water comes from the rubbish dumping sites and goes straight into the boreholes [wells]; that is the same water people use. That is why you find that cholera is everywhere here in Chilanga.”

 

Drought emergency

Following the cholera outbreak in 2023 and early 2024, Zambia endured a five-week period of little to no rain. The Zambian government declared a national disaster and emergency in the end of February. The drought has hit 84 of the country’s 116 districts, affecting more than a million farming households.

 

Since the outbreak began in 2023, many stakeholders and government Ministries have provided more than 1.5 million people in four southern African countries with hygiene kits and access to clean water, including by drilling and rehabilitating borehole wells, and installing solar-powered water systems in public health facilities and markets.

 

“Urgent support in the form of food and clean water is what people need the most now,” says KZF Director Ezra Banda. “Many have no food left because they did not harvest enough last year, and the El Nino-induced weather phenomenon has killed the slightest hope they had to feed themselves.”

 

Oxfam and partners in Zambia are doing further assessments to inform our humanitarian response. We intend to raise $6.5 million to provide 600,000 people with cash and clean water, help with growing winter crops, and improve local sanitation and hygiene services to prevent cholera.

 

What is oral health?

By Daily News Reporter

IN today’s article we are going to discuss oral health and its negative impact on a human being.

Last week, being an oral health week, I took time to research on oral health and I learnt something which I thought is very important to share with you my esteemed readers of this column. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), oral health refers to the health of the teeth, gums, and the entire oral-facial system that allows us to smile, speak, and chew.

Some of the most common diseases that impact our oral health include cavities (tooth decay), gum (periodontal) disease, and oral cancer. Some of the symptoms of oral health may include toothache, bad breath, teeth sensitivity and red or swollen gums.

The causes include poor dental hygiene, improper brushing and flossing habits, bacterial infection, nutritional deficiencies, and bone diseases.

It is important to note that oral conditions are frequently considered separate from other chronic conditions, but these are actually inter-related.

Poor oral health is associated with other chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Oral disease also is associated with risk behaviours such as using tobacco and consuming sugary foods and beverages.

Tooth decay is damage that affects your teeth due to the activities of bacteria present in dental plaque. These bacteria convert sugars from your food into acids, which can go on to damage teeth. There are steps that you can take to help prevent tooth decay. These include things like brushing your teeth at least twice a day, avoiding sweet foods, and making sure you visit your dentist regularly. Public health strategies such as community water fluoridation and school sealant programmes are safe and effective interventions proven to prevent cavities and save money. The treatment for tooth decay depends on what stage it’s in. Some examples of potential treatments include fluoride treatments, fillings, and root canals.

Health minister Sylvia Masebo said Zambia was making various strides to improve on the delivery of oral health services to the people. She said among the government strategies and strides was the one witnessed in the 2022 recruitment of more than 11,000 health workers where a good number of dentists was employed and deployed in most health facilities, just like it was the case to other health cadres. The other strategy the government is using in an effort to improve on the current status of oral health services in the country is to procure more equipment to be used in dental services and distribute them to other health facilities.

It is fascinating to learn that the government through the Ministry of Health and in good collaboration with various cooperating partners is trying to improve on the quality delivery of dental services to all parts of the country.

 

 

Understanding polio

By Daily News Reporter.

POLIO is shortened from poliomyelitis; it is an infectious disease caused by the poliovirus.

It is discovered that about 0.5 per cent of the cases of polio move from the guts to affect the central nervous system and there is muscle weakness resulting in a flaccid paralysis. Further explanation indicates that polio is a contagious viral illness that in its most severe form causes nerve injury leading to paralysis, difficulty in breathing and sometimes death. According to scientific research, polio mainly affects children below the age of five years. However, any person who has not been vaccinated against polio is at risk of the disease.

Poliovirus can be transmitted through direct contact with someone infected with the virus or, less commonly, through contaminated food and water.A person carrying the poliovirus can spread the virus for weeks in his/her fecal matter. A person who has the virus but doesn’t have symptoms can also pass it to others.

Today, despite worldwide efforts to wipe out polio, poliovirus continues to affect children and adults in parts of Asia and Africa. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise people to seriously take needed precautions to protect themselves from polio if they are traveling where there is a risk of the disease. Scientific advice is that: “Adults who have been vaccinated who plan to travel to an area where polio is occurring should receive a booster dose of inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV). Immunity after a booster lasts a lifetime.’’

The Mayo Clinic guides the following as some of the signs and symptoms of polio. Signs and symptoms which can last up to 10 days include:•     Fever.

•     Sore throat.

•     Headache.

•     Vomiting.

•     Fatigue.

•     Back pain or stiffness.

•     Neck pain or stiffness.

•     Pain or stiffness in the arms or legs.

•     Muscle weakness or tenderness.

•     Paralytic polio.

This most serious form of the disease is rare. Initial signs and symptoms of paralytic polio, such as fever and headache, often mimic those of non-paralytic polio. Within a week, however, other signs and symptoms appear, including:

•     Loss of reflexes.

•     Severe muscle aches or weakness.

•     Loose and floppy limbs (flaccid paralysis).

•     Post-polio syndrome.

Post-polio syndrome is a cluster of disabling signs and symptoms that affect some people years after having polio. Common signs and symptoms include:•     Progressive muscle or joint weakness and pain.

•     Fatigue.

•     Muscle wasting (atrophy).

•     Breathing or swallowing problems.

•     Sleep-related breathing disorders, such as sleep apnea.

•     Decreased tolerance of cold temperatures.

According to the Ministry of Health recent reports, ‘’Zambia had made a lot of progress in eradicating polio as the last indigenous case was only recorded in 1995 in Lusaka Province.’’

The report clarifies that the cases that were recorded in 2001 and 2002 in Western Province were just imported from one of Zambia’s neighbouring countries.

‘’In 2005 the African Ratification Commission for Polio Eradication endorsed Zambia as being free from world polio virus. A status that the country has maintained to date and we remain proud of this. And it is our resolve to ensure that we maintain the same status,’’ reads another report from the Ministry of Health.

In September 2019, there was a case of polio recorded in a two-year-old child in Chiengi district of Luapula Province. And again, it was said to be imported from a named neighbouring country, including the one that was reported two months later in Chavuma district of North-Western province. At the moment, Zambia has no cases of polio but people should not relax but continue taking their children for vaccines and and observe all preventive measures as guided by health workers.

 

 

Supporting Gender-Based Violence (GBV) survivors in Lusaka to recover and build resilience

By daily news reporter

Alice is one of the many women who have experienced conflict-related sexual violence during the devastating two-year conflict in northern Zambia. For more than three years, she kept silent about her experience. Amina says she feared being stigmatized by family, friends and community members. “The burden was immense, affecting my health and relationships. My partner left me once he realized what had happened. My outlook on men has changed,” Alice said.

 

A turning point came when she attended community conversation sessions facilitated by the NGOCC. These sessions provided psychosocial support and provided a safe space for ALICE to share her experience, and she began the healing process. Through these discussions, Alice learned about gender-based violence (GBV), its consequences and the available support services. With newfound courage, she confided in others about her ordeal.

 

The support of case workers and counsellors also proved invaluable.  Alice was able to access vital support, including counselling, HIV testing and cash assistance, paving the way for her journey to recovery.

 

The NGOCC has been instrumental in providing support and services to survivors of GBV, like Amina, in the region. Through collaborative efforts, NGOCC has expanded access to essential services, including case management, psychosocial support and referrals, empowering survivors to rebuild their lives and futures.

 

GBV prevention and risk-mitigation activities are also addressed through awareness raising, cash-based intervention, and the provision of dignity kits for the most vulnerable women and girls. The Association of Women Sanctuary and Development (AWSAD) provides safe shelters to survivors in the region, with referrals through the region's Bureau of Women, Children and Social Affairs.

 

Adanech Shiferaw, UNFPA GBViE analyst, says ALICE’s story is just one example of the transformative power of GBV support in overcoming trauma and building resilience. “ALICE's journey highlights the pressing need to address GBV and provide support for survivors in communities across Zambia. By breaking the silence surrounding GBV and offering comprehensive services, the endeavors of the NGOCC are instrumental in empowering women and girls to reclaim their lives and future.”

 

ALICE says she sees progress every day, but she worries about the current situation in the region. “I have received continued psychological support. If I continue with this and with GOD's will, I will return to my normal health. However, the ongoing conflict worries me and I am afraid women, including me, are at risk of more violence.” she said.

 

 

ZRA ASSURES TRADERS OF IMPROVED SERVICES

Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) Corporate Communication Manager, Oliver Nzala, has pledged to assist traders in facilitating swift, efficient, and timely clearance of goods.

The agency has observed numerous challenges faced by traders, particularly those from Kazungula, and has hosted them along with customs officers from both Kazungula and Lusaka.

Mr. Nzala urged traders to issue receipts during transactions to raise resources for the treasury and reminded them to engage the Authority for suggestions and engagements.

Nzala said ZRA plans to reduce boarder officers collecting VAT from 18 to 6 to speed up the process and introduce a pre-clearance of goods to speed up boarder points.

Speaking at the same event, AZBT, Deputy National Secretary Representative, Mr. Jack Malambo, stated that his association serves as a bridge between traders and the authority, helping remove barriers that hinder their success. Malambo emphasized the importance of supporting men, women, and youths in businesses, especially formalizing their businesses.

ZRA also offers loans to its members with a minimal interest rate of 15%, along with a funeral scheme for times of calamity. The authourity is always open to suggestions and engagements to help traders grow their businesses.

 

 

ZED-FIN Financial Services Limited partners with Airtel Money to unveil Loan services

…………………to provide loans to customers through the Airtel portal.

By Daily News Reporter

The service will enable eligible customers to obtain a loan in times of need that will directly go into their Airtel mobile money accounts.

Speaking during the launch of the new loan service, ZED FIN Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Justin Chola said the Airtel Money Na Sova Platform which is being powered by YABX a Technology it marks the official launch of Zed-Fin Loans, powered by YABX, a technology provider.

“Having Zed-Fin Loans on the Airtel Na Sova Platform is an important milestone for us as it will allow us the opportunity to provide loans to Airtel Money subscribers.  This, ladies and gentlemen will allow for potential exponential growth in our contribution to financial inclusion for the vast majority of our fellow citizens who ordinarily find it difficult to easily access financial assistance for their day-to-day micro businesses or other emergency financial needs,” Mr. Chola said.

He further added that some customers have challenge of accessing loan in terms of loan accessibility ZED-FIN has Na Sova platform which will give opportunity to Airtel customer through Airtel Money Mobile services

“I am referring to Amai Tembo who sells beans at Matero Market. She ordinarily sells K300 worth of beans per day but wants to increase that to K900 per day. Accessing the extra K600 to grow her business is a challenge because she has been excluded from most formal lines of credit. This is where Zed-Fin Loans comes in because our desire is to work with Amai Tembo and help grow her business from selling K300 worth of tomatoes to selling thousands of kwacha worth in a day.” 

Airtel Mobile Commerce Country Director, Mr. Andrew Chuma also added that Airtel Money was cognizant of the importance the Government had placed on digital financial services and as such believed that partnerships were important in order to foster sustainable financial growth in society, therefore the unveiling of the new product with ZED FIN symbolized the Company’s commitment to continue championing the agenda as prescribed in the 8th National Development Plan.

“This is how powerful digital financial services can be not only to institutions but to individuals and this is why when credit is used responsibly it can be used to pay for important things such as school fees as well as provide a lifeline in case of health emergencies,” Mr. Chuma said.

Mr. Chuma further noted that this access to credit is a huge challenge among the marginalized, the unbanked and those who are not attached to forms of formal employment.

These segments of the society have no access to formal loans as they neither have collateral, nor credit history or a salary and this is where solutions such as the Na Sova ZED FIN loan service become important.

To qualify to obtain a loan from the Na Sova ZED FIN service, one needs to be an active Airtel Money customer for at least six months and regularly transact on Airtel Money and will also need to have paid up any other loans taken through Airtel Money.

 

DEBT MANAGEMENT FOR PARLIAMENTARY OVERSIGHT IS CRUCTIAL -CUTS

By Daily News reporter

CUTS International held the stakeholders meeting National Economic Symposium in Lusaka under the theme: Strengthening Parliamentary Oversight for Transparent and Inclusive Public Debt Management to provide an invaluable opportunity for dialogue surrounding the state of the economy, with a special emphasis on the launch of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) analysis report.

During the event, Sajeev Nair, Regional Director and Board Member, said that Parliamentary oversight in debt management is key in minimizing the risk that comes with accumulating public debt to unsustainable levels.

Mr. Nair stated that this parliamentary oversight ensures that the executive remains accountable to the National Assembly and the public in its borrowing operations.

He emphasized the importance of equipping them with the necessary knowledge and tools for effective legislative and oversight functions.

And speaking on behalf of Permanent Secretary Budget and Economic Affairs, in the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, Ms. Mwaka Mukubesa, Mr. Patrick Mfungo Assistant Director Investment and Debt Management Department said the Zambian government has demonstrated adherence to the law by publishing the medium-term Debt Management Strategy which gives an indication of government borrowing strategies for the medium term and conducting public debt sustainability analysis and publishing the report.

“Once the aforementioned are considered by the National Assembly, the government, through the Ministry of Finance and National Planning has been publishing these documents on the Ministry website. This demonstrates government’s commitment to transparency and accountability to the public”, Ms. Mukubesa said.

The Symposium meeting was attended by 60 participants, including five Members of Parliament, representatives from civil society organizations, donors, and officials from various embassies.

 

 

HOW DIGITAL RIGHTS AFFECT YOUTHS

By Daily News Reporter

You have heard it before. Digital technology is a double-edged sword. Digital spaces and technologies can expand avenues for youth participation in democratic processes, facilitate dialogue with decision-makers, and support civic activism. At the same time, it can be misused to limit civic space and undermine human rights.

Moffat a youth leader and focal point for the global youth caucus on SDG 16, is making waves working on youth activism, elections and digital technology in zambia. Yet, as he points out, youth in africa face obstacles to having their voices heard. Moffat discusses the opportunities and challenges shaping youth activism and youth inclusion in the age of technology.

Digital technology, from his experience, has contributed to inclusion, particularly for marginalized communities and persons with disabilities. According to Moffat, there are several youth sensitive digital technologies available at the global level, which can enhance democratic institutions and promote online safety and responsible digital citizenship. Examples include the ICT 4 Peace platform for policy and capacity building, and the Generation Connects platform, which encourages young people to participate in digital technologies for peace and development. Such platforms have further limited the costs associated with participation.

However, during the Covid 19 pandemic, there were more opportunities for marginalized groups to participate in international events online since there was no cost for travel. This allowed young people from all countries to participate in decision-making activities and events. 

“Lack of digital space and high costs of living hamper young people's ability to leverage digital technology…”

An additional challenge identified by Moffat is that he has seen many young people feeling unsafe on social media platforms due to cyberbullying and online harassment. The flipside to this, however, is that online activism allows for sharing of ideas and opinions more anonymously, limiting the fear of persecution.

In his daily work, Moffat applies a combination of both online and offline activism. Offline activism allows for direct interaction with people, which is crucial in humanitarian settings. However, online activism can reach a broader audience. Moreover, according to Moffat the added value of digital technology lies in its ability to reach and teach youth about their rights, including their rights in the civic space or where it concerns political participation.

Weighing the opportunities and challenges, what would Moffat advice? A multi-stakeholder approach is key. In his own words, “stakeholders and partners can work together to promote human rights and security online by promoting responsible digital technologies…”. He specifically cites the UN Secretary General’s roadmap on Digital Cooperation launched in 2020 as a useful framework for promoting responsible digital technologies and promoting human rights and internet security online.

One key stakeholder to include is youth. From field experience, Moffat testifies that digital technologies are essential for amplifying youth voices. Furthermore, he emphasizes the importance of youth engagement in achieving peace and development.

 

 Digitalized land management panacea to corruption-LA

 

Daily News Reporter

 

Land management, ownership among other processes is not amenable to corruption in Zambia in the absence of digitalized records to plug corruption, interest groups have noted.

 

Global anti-corruption body-Transparency International and the Land Alliance, a consortium of Non-Governmental Organisations promoting fair land policies, laws and land administration and takes into account the needs of the poor call for digitalization of all records coupled with a systematic monitoring of acquisition procedures to avert corruption as demand rises.

 

To plug the uncouth act, TIZ-Zambia and Zambia Land Alliance, Thursday launched a land management and transparency portal to plug corruption in land management at munipality and traditional authority’s levels as a way of restoring land management.

 

The duo note that with the lack of computerized records at various authorities, corruption remained an active exercise when people seek to acquire land, spurred by various circumstances, including lack of information on how land should be acquired and other procedures.

During the launch, TIZ-(Z) executive director Maurice Nyambe noted that much of the process was at the mercy of the officials handling the acquisitions and with the increasing demand for land in recent years, corruption and the lack of transparency was becoming a norm, which should be nipped in the bud and avert the scourge from escalating.

 

The portal, being re-launched to be expedited until 2025-the second time after it was initially launched in 2018 and to be operated initially in four districts-Choma, Mansa, Chibombo and Kasempa, on the basis of new spaces being opened for allocation of land, would seek to provide information on potential existing and potential owners pm ownership procedures.

 

The portal will be complimented with literature translated in languages that are commonly spoken in the affected areas to enhance comprehension by would be land owners.

 

The innovative approach by the two players is to ultimately champion transparency and enhance the effectiveness of its mandate.

 

The process will later be escalated to all parts of the country to curb the vice which has left many existing and would be land owners at the mercy of some municipality or traditional land authorities that perpetuate corruption.

 

“The land transparency portal, marks a significant step in our ongoing commitment to enhance transparency and accountability within Zambia’s land sector through our Land and Corruption in Africa project.” Mr. Nyambe.

 

The project is funded by the Germany Government and is being piloted in over eight countries in Africa in a quest to eliminate corruption related activities.

 

Land and Corruption in Africa project is arguably set up to combat corruption inland governance and contribute to improved welfare of people who depend on land but lack information.

The people, in turn, are often duped by various authorities for lack of information on procedures, hence, harboring corruption, land being a hallowed status and as a critical resource for livelihoods and development.

 

“How land is governed is a potential area for corruption risk that particularly affects the vulnerable segments of society, chiefly affected women, youth and the elderly who are sidelined by virtue of their status quo.

 

Land governance encompassed the rule, processes, and structures governing access, use, decision-making, implementation, enforcement and the management of competing interests in land.

 

And ZLA Project assistant and paralegal officer, Mufalali Samalumo regretted the unabated corrupt tendencies harboured at various levels with some potential land owners being induced into engaging into: “Status recognition” of land owners in cases of traditional land being sought.

 

“Some people are asked to pay a courtesy call to the traditional leaders and deliver either a chicken or other expensive gifts as a show of appreciation, but no one knows how much the same respect amounts to. At councils, some are asked to pay something to speed up the process, yet they are not told how much the favour is worth, and all that is corruption” Mr. Samalumo notes.

 

 

 ACCESS OF INFORMATION (ATI) IS THE MUST

By Daily News Reporter

The government views the Access to Information Bill (ATI) as a significant stride towards promoting transparency, accountability, and fighting against corruption.

 

Cornelius Mweetwa, Minister of said “In line with our election promises made by His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, the government took the access to information bill to parliament for the benefit of the Zambian people,” he stated.

 

“Once enacted, this bill will also facilitate access to information, which is crucial in the fight against corruption.”

 

Mweetwa indicated that there would likely be extensive engagement with various stakeholders who will be invited as witnesses by the National Assembly to provide input on the final form and content of the Access to Information Act.

 

“It now remains for parliament to play its part so that the Access to Information Act becomes a reality that has eluded this country for a very long time. Yet, in every election cycle, it has been used as part of political campaigns if elected," noted Mweetwa.

No single government in the world can operate without the press, because the press is the fourth most important estate after the executive, judiciary and legislature in any democratic state. And for the press to be really appreciated as the fourth estate, it must be accorded the freedom to access information.

In 1802, former US President Thomas Jefferson, wrote: “Where it is left for me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate to prefer the latter.”

This therefore means journalists are supposed to play a watchdog role over the government. For them to perform this role, they must have undeniable access to information. Unfortunately, Zambia like many (African) countries does not have an Access to Information law or an express provision in the constitution.

Many countries instead have the Official Secrets Acts, so vaguely written that officials can interpret them in a way to avoid scrutiny of their actions or they may wish to hide something from the public. Such acts also prevent citizens from verifying information held by powerful institutions and indeed leaders of influential positions.

In Zambia, there is also the Public Order Act that is often used to deny the media access to information, arrest and detain journalists or search premises of a media institution and confiscate material. These acts are sometimes justified on grounds of state security.

While it is necessary for any government to protect national security, our government often fails to distinguish between state secrets and information that has no implication on that security.

Public interest arguments might include the need for properly informed debate, exposing wrongdoing, protecting the public from danger, accounting for public funds, demonstrating that standards are being observed, that authorities are properly discharging their duties, ensuring that people are dealt with fairly and the public is not misled.

If information is withheld, as is often the case, the authority should tell you which exemption it has relied on, why it thinks the public interest favours confidentiality and how to challenge the decision.

The first step should be to complain under the authority’s own complaints procedure, when a more senior official with greater authority to release information is likely to be involved. Strictly speaking, it’s the authority’s job to show why information should not be disclosed, not yours to prove that it can. But if you feel the authority may have an exaggerated view of the likely harm from disclosure or has failed to recognize the public interest in openness you should point that out. (The Campaign for Freedom of Information)

This is a crucial period. We have a government that promises so much on media freedom and access to information for all. The electorate vote the party in based partly on the assurance for access to information. Next general elections are in 2026, but without the press having access to information, it is most likely that more information will still not be in public domain.

As a free press plays a watchdog role on the government in any democratic state, people can be brought with information they need to exercise independent judgment on governance by public officials and those who favour the same policies they support.

Lack of access to information hinders the free-flow of information. It promotes rumour mongering among the citizenry. This ultimately breeds and sustains bad governance and in the long run hinders the democratic process.

Denial of access to information promotes unaccountability from the powers-that-be; abuse of citizen’s rights and corruption, which has characterised many African countries, Zambia inclusive. Without access to rightful information, corrupt practices cannot be exposed. The Zambian electorate and general citizenry should just rely on publicly released information which on many occasions only has elements of truths.

A one sided press befools society. ATI is not for fast-breaking stories. You’re more likely to wait weeks than hours for information. But if you’re dealing with an issue that will still be news in a month’s time or gradually putting a big story together the Act should be just what we need

There’s no special trick to making a request. Apply in writing or by fax or email to the authority concerned describing the information you want. It’s a good idea to say you’re applying under the Act, but strictly speaking you don’t need to. Any written request is automatically valid. You can ask to be sent photocopies of originals, have material emailed or ask to inspect records in person - the authority is required to comply with your preference if practicable. Photocopies may give you a better feel for how much information has been withheld than a print out with the gaps closed up.

Information to the media is denied in various ways. The most common one is to delay official comment or refuse to comment on an issue. This prompts the media to publish the story without a comment and sometimes the story is dropped, as it might be one-sided or unsubstantiated.

Another tactic is to refer the media to the Ministry of Information, which requires all questions in writing, and then the ministry will forward the questions to the responsible department or ministry. The response is relayed to the media through the same process. This process works against the media because news cannot wait forever.

On the other hand the state owned and controlled media is rewarded for its loyalty by being given better, but still selective, access to public officials and institutions. Journalists and the public have no institutionalised powers to compel officials to answer questions or provide information.

Official Secrets Acts, for example, are invoked when the media touches on matters relating to the military and the executive branch of the government. Issues related to the military and security are rightly recognised as sensitive because they affect the security of the entire nation. The harm to the nation can be immense if such information is made available to enemies or potential enemies.

The continued attacks on journalist prove that the government is not committed to freedom of the press. Though freedom of expression is guaranteed under article 20 of the constitution, there is need for an exclusive article for freedom of the press.

A state that prosecutes journalists on allegations of breaching any government secrets encourages the belief that there is something to hide, creating a credibility gap with the public and tensions with the journalists and the media as an institution.

There have been representations to have a guaranteed freedom of the press clause in the constitution.

“(ATI) is not for fast-breaking stories. You’re more likely to wait weeks than hours for information. But if you’re dealing with an issue that will still be news in a month’s time or gradually putting a big story together, the Act should be just what you need,” says Maurice Frankel, Director of The Campaign for Freedom of Information.

James, a Lecturer in Media Studies in the Department of Journalism and Media Studies at Rhodes University, said that there is need for a balance to be struck which will enhance the standing of public institutions and protect the interests of society. This balance necessitates the abolition of Official Secret Acts in favour of (Access to) Information Acts.

He added that (Access to) Information Acts can have provisions that protect sensitive information from being placed in the public domain. However, such provisions should not deviate from the principle of openness. Mechanisms must be worked out so that it can be verified that particular information is sensitive, or which aspects of such information are sensitive.

“We must rectify the situation where information is declared secret and so unavailable to the local media because it allegedly endangers national security, yet it remains available to media from ‘enemy’ countries,” advises James.

Public officials and agencies must prove that information needs to be kept out of the public domain and not the other way round.

When a proper mechanism is put in place, journalists should adhere to the system or face the legal and professional consequences of publishing information that is legally protected.

It is therefore in the interest of the journalist and the media that well-defined Access to Information Acts become law. Access to information will enable journalist to “dig deeper” while remaining on the side of the law and not appearing to be above the law. This way, journalists can practice self-regulation and institutionally they can fulfill the best ideals of journalism by producing accurate and balanced reports for the public good.

However, the enactment of the Access to Information Act should be watched and scrutinised on each stage so that we do not have an Act that restricts journalists from acquiring justifiable information.

As James Madison forth President of the U.S. wrote: “A popular government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue or a farce or a tragedy; or perhaps both.” We need to have a popular government with popular information and undeniable means of accessing it.

Remember, the right of the people to speak out through a free press is the hallmark for a democratic society.